Hiking is superb for the body and mind.
Yea, we all know that.
It also can be hard work on the body and the last thing you need to worry about it ill-fitting clothing whilst you’re out trying to enjoy the great outdoors.
Being over 6ft5 we’re pretty used to the struggles of finding pants that fit. Previously we have written on finding snow pants and hiking poles for the vertically gifted.
Most recently a few outdoor buddies and I battle-tested 5 of the best hiking pants for taller guys on the market.
You can enjoy our findings below…
5. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
The Ferrosi pants have a movement-mirroring stretch, are comfortable, and abrasion-resistant. A perfect blend for pants you’d take on long hikes.
Key Features
- 86% nylon, 14% spandex
- Straight cut
- Button and zipper fly
- Adjustable cinch cords at the ankles
- Built-in belt
What I Like About This Product
I like Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants because they are very comfy, stretchy pants with a lightweight fit. Anytime I see a lightweight product, my hair tingles, hoping to find out if it’s also functional.
The Ferrosi pants sure were worth it. They are multi-functional. They are also lightweight, so much so you wonder if they are cheap pants. But, in fact, they are durable enough to survive rugged climbing expeditions.
The cinch cords at the ankles of the Ferrosi pants give it a sort of universal inseam.
On the chance that these pants are too long, the cinch cord would tuck the fabric in smartly. So they don’t drop over shoes or have you squeeze them in your boots like fatigues. Anyway, I doubt you’d need them.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
One of my biggest pet peeves is wearing pants with small pockets.
It can be more excruciating when it’s on a hiking pant, for that matter. I don’t particularly appreciate how I fear losing my phone. Or having objects bulge in my pockets.
Pros
- Versatile
- Pillowy soft cotton
- Lightweight
- True to size
- Multi-pocketed design
- Quick-drying material
Cons
- No built-in belt
- Poor wind protection
- Small pockets
Ratings
- Pockets: 2/5
- Weight: 4/5
- Comfort: 3/5
- Price: 2/5
- Durability: 3/5
4. Arc’teryx Lefroy Pants
The Lefroy is a clear reflection of the brand’s commitment to functionality. The Lefroy is lightweight, with a next-to-skin engineered material that’s super-comfortable and breathable.
Key features
- Fabric: 86% nylon, 14% elastane
- Built-in belt
What I Like About This Product
Lefroy lightweight pants blow my mind with their superb construction. The unique nylon material is sweat-wicking and stretchy.
I love my fleece jacket and other pants with a similar type of material. They have a refreshing feel on the skin you walk in them.
On long sweaty hikes, they show their superpower. A few seconds or minutes after stopping to catch a breath or camp, they dry up fast. And I don’t have to bother about a sweat patch or the pants stinking afterward.
Unlike the Outdoor Research pants, they have sizable pockets – not the most you’d see in hiking pants, but big enough.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
They fit like designer jeans, which isn’t bad. Except they cost just as much.
In retrospect, maybe that explains why the pants also have short and almost nonfunctional fly zippers.
You also need to order a size or two up your waist measurement for the perfect fit.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and stretchy material
- Bold and classy color options
- Deep-sized side and front pockets
Cons
- Pricey
- Short fly zipper
- Can be uncomfortable in rugged terrains
Ratings
- Pockets: 3/5
- Weight: 3/5
- Comfort: 3/5
- Price: 2/5
- Durability: 3/5
3. Patagonia Quandary Pants
The Patagonia Quandary pants are built with a durable, stretchy nylon fabric that is optimized for movement. A few safety pockets allow for easy storage, and an internal cinch helps with fit.
Key Features
- Fabric: 94% nylon, 6% spandex
- Straight cut
- Zippered side pocket
- Built-in drawstring belt
What I Like About This Product
The fabric of the Patagonia quandary pants is easy to wash and dry quickly. They are comfortable can be worn all season long.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
The side pockets seem like they are made to fit a Nokia 3310 cellphone. It can’t fit my relatively large smartphone, and that shouldn’t be much to ask in this age.
Pros
- Affordable
- Straight and stylish cut
- Easy wash
- Lightweight
Cons
- Waist snap is somewhat flimsy
- Small pockets
Ratings
- Pockets: 3/5
- Weight: 3/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Durability: 4/5
2. Prana Stretch Zion Pants
Prana Stretch Zion Pants have an underrated classic khaki look. And they don’t disappoint with their array of high-performance to keep you feeling comfortable on and off the trail.
Key features
- Fabric: 97% nylon, 3% spandex
- Ventilated inseam gusset
- Dual entry cargo pocket
- Streamlined adjustable waistband
- Roll-up leg snaps
What I Like About This Product
I especially like the adjustable leg snaps. They come in handy when you need to wade through a pond or stream. And it can double as a fashion statement.
You’d have no issue storing small valuables in its deep cargo pocket.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
Quite frankly, these can be a tad unbearable to wear on some sweltering summer days. But won’t any?
Pros
- Good bang for the buck
- Well-sized pockets
- Built-in cinch belt/waist adjustment
- Gives a classic look
- Would survive in the outback
Cons
- Weighty
- Would heat up fast in warm weather
Ratings
- Pockets: 3.5/5
- Weight: 3/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Price: 4/5
- Durability: 4.5/5
1. Columbia Silver Ridge Pants
The Columbia Silver Ridge pants have turned into something of a household name. The stylish and functional convertible design is nothing short of remarkable.
Key Features
- 100% nylon
- UPF50 fabric protection
- Partial elastic waist
- Zip-off pants
- Zippered and velcro pockets
What I Like About This Product
Hands down, it’s the zip-off feature that stands out. If you feel it’s not breathable on a warm day, you can wear only shorts to walk the trail. If I camp in the woods, I will take the detached pants along for the surely cold night ahead. If not, I’d leave it back at home and pack or move with a lighter load. Trust me, that little ounce counts.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
As I feared, the hook and loop closer on the cargo pocket could potentially wear out. In this case, it might no longer stick short. A buddy already had issues with his pocket after only a couple of months.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
- Breathes well
- Handy “L” and “R” indication on lower pants
- Variety of sizes for tall and big guys
- Wide range of colors to pick
Cons
- It’s Velcro cargo pocket might wear out easily
Ratings
- Pockets: 4/5
- Weight: 4/5
- Comfort: 4.5/5
- Price: 5/5
- Durability: 4/5
